Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months

Topic Overview

Learning to walk is the defining athletic accomplishment for children between 12 and 24 months of age. Those first steps are possible because of changes taking place within the brain and the spinal cord. Coordination and muscle control advance as the brain grows and matures.

Most children start walking by 13 months of age. The usual range for starting to walk is any time between 9 and 15 months.

When your toddler reaches a developmental milestone, such as walking, it means he or she has mastered the physical and cognitive skills needed to advance to another skill. For example, about 6 months after your child has learned to walk with ease, he or she will likely be able to run. Most toddlers also learn the basics of climbing, kicking, and throwing.

Also during the second year, children gain more control and coordination over the many small muscles in their hands, fingers, and wrists. These fine-motor skills enable your child to begin drawing with crayons, eating with a spoon, and manipulating small items.